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The LFW Downtime Guide

WE'VE told you which names to look out for at London Fashion Week, but what to do in between shows? Where should you stay? How to keep energy levels high? What to wear? Where are the city's best pampering spots?

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It’s got to be Ian Schrager’s Edition hotel, his first in London in 15 years. Whether you’re in the bar, eating at the Berner’s Tavern restaurant (food by Jason Atherton) or loitering in the lobby (Schrager made lobbies cool), this is where the night-time theatre will be centred this fashion week. We like the sound of the Punch Room for a little post-show calm, an old English manor-style oak-panelled den with cocktails served on mini silver platters. Cara Delevingne and W magazine are holding a party there Saturday night, while the Vogue girls seemed to be booked in most evenings; one even managed to secure a room. We’re just wondering which lucky bod booked the penthouse suite with its 360-degree view of London and 2,000sq ft to luxuriate in… Dress up: this is no East End slouch show but high-octane glamour.

Staying On Top:

Plenish Juice are always at the key show venues, so stock up to get a little healthy boost throughout the day.

Vitamins are the key to seeing the week through, says beauty and health editor Jessica Hogan. “Early call-times and late nights mean that energy levels are low, so I make sure I have added vitamin C, a multivitamin, Emergen-C sachets and liquid chlorophyll to my water.”

There isn't much time to eat between shows because the schedule is so hectic and backstage catering isn't always so great, so Jessica also recommends keeping protein bars and nuts in your bag. (The fashion team would like to point out that they are far less healthy than the beauty team, and carry large bags of Strawberry Twizzlers, Haribo, bags of popcorn and chocolate-chip cookies. We do try to occasionally snack on a bit of dried fruit or an almond, but it's swiftly followed by a bar of Green & Black’s. All this snacking comes in between Insta-blagging and gossiping about who has the best outfit and how we wish we’d worn flats because our toes are hurting. But that’s just us; back to the healthy stuff...)

“I also always have the Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Essence in my bag,” adds Jessica. “If I’m feeling tired, I put some of the oil on my temples and under my nostrils for a revitalising pick-me-up.”

Credit Alasdair McLellan

A Spot Of Culture:

Give the sartorial eye a change of scene and allow yourself to be transported to the smoky jazz clubs of Fifties New Orleans for the reworking of Alban Berg’s unfinished opera, American Lulu. Playing at the Young Vic for eight performances only, it features femme-fatale dancer Lulu, who reflects on her troubled life and the people in it. But is she victim or miscreant? Manipulator or Manipulated? (September 13 to 24; Youngvic.org)For those who are favouring the capital rather than jetting off to Milan, don't miss International Theatre Institute Award-winner Jasmin Vardimon’s masterful choreography in Justitia, opening at Sadler’s Wells on the last day of LFW. It’s a classic case of “whodunit” as the audience witnesses a filmic replay of events concealing a crime story from different angles, staged on a revolving set.(September 17 to 22; Sadlerswells.com)Fashionistas who are pressed for time should schedule a slot in their Smythson between Topshop Showspace viewings to see the UK’s first major exhibition of Sudanese artist Ibrahim el-Salahi. A Visionary Modernist unites 100 of the artist’s works from his international career spanning half a century. (To September 22; Tate.org.uk)

What To Wear:

Fashion editors like to imply they approach the carousel of show dressing with nonchalant laissez-faire, but let us tell you, even the most confident dresser gives her wardrobe a lot of thought. Who can blame them? This is a gathering of the best-dressed women in the world, and in London there is extra pressure: it’s not enough just to have that Céline/Dior-chic look down pat; you need to throw in an English edge. “I’ll rotate Christopher Kane T-shirts, Miu Miu culottes, a Freda ivy green leather pencil skirt, tailored trousers and my Jonathan Saunders silk bomber, to keep it sleek and easy,” says Vogue’s deputy editor, Emily Sheffield. “And, for comfort, my Nike trainers and studded Jimmy Choo flats – but I’ll slip my Prada pillar-box-red platforms in the car for when I need some serious uplift.” Style editor Emma Elwick-Bates keeps it classic with a twist: ‘A JW Anderson black miniskirt with tie sides or my MIH black skinny jeans with ripped knees will be my everyday items, finished with a flick of a Manolo velvet slipper.’ While Naomi Smart, fashion features assistant, will add a bit of London punk grunge with some distressed leather. ‘I’ll throw on a Claire Barrow painted motorcycle jacket. They add attitude to anything – which is what LFW is all about.’

Beauty Hot Spots:

After a long day dashing between shows, a few moments’ pampering is definitely in order. We'll be heading straight to Content Beauty & Wellbeing for one of their Stress Relief Massages, and when all the standing around takes its toll on our high heel-clad feet, it’s direct to Margaret Dabbs’s Sole Spa in Liberty for a medical pedicure. Stress Relief Massage, neck and shoulders, £30 for 30mins ( Beingcontent.com)Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa Medical Pedicure, £80 for 45mins (Margaretdabbs.co.uk)

To the Aveda Institute, a stone’s throw (OK, a 10-minute walk) from Somerset House. Book a blow-dry between 8am and 10am, and they’ll throw in a healthy breakfast from the adjoining Le Pain Quotidien. Actually, while we come to think of it, we’re rather partial to their manicures, too… (£32 for 45mins, Avedainstitute.co.uk)

Time is always of the essence during Fashion Week, so multitasking is no longer just desirable, it's crucial. As far as your beauty regime goes, look no further than Cowshed Spa's Cowgroom Maintenance, a top-to-toe service including a facial, eyebrow tidy and manicure that involves not one but two therapists for results in half the time. Oh, and did we mention they serve amazing chocolate brownies? Cowgroom Maintenance, £80 for 30mins, around London, visit Cowshedonline.com

Vogue’s beauty editor Jessica Hogan is always on the lookout for a fitness fix that will slot into an already bursting schedule. "This season I'm loving the Power Plate Hit at Good Vibes Fitness. It's a great, all-over, high-intensity workout, and I'm back in my Valentino Rock Studs in half an hour."Power Plate Hit, £22 per class (Goodvibesfitness.co.uk)

Credit Paolo Roversi

Where To Refuel:

Eating has to be on-the-go, so slipping into the Italian deli Lina Stores in Soho is always a pleasure (we’re obsessed with their peppermint and white striped paper bags). Or Balthazar’s beautiful deli in Covent Garden is a treat for its yummy sandwiches and elegant old school decor. Nearby Mishkin’s, on Catherine Street, WC2, is another favourite: chicken matzo-ball soup in the day and perfect for post-show cocktails and delicious hot dogs.

Credit PR/Paul Winch-Furness

The Late Show:

Following the debut of her second collection for River Island, stay hot on Rihanna’s heels and head to her collaborator Mikky Ekko’s one-off gig at St Pancras Old Church. (September 16; Mikkyekko.com)

Our favourite hacienda, La Bodega Negra, now has a little sister in the east, which we’re equally in love with. Casa Negra comes with its own late-night haunt, the Playroom. (Casanegra.co.uk)

Le Baron may have downsized, but only in square footage, not fun! At the end of another long show day this is where night owls come to play. (Lebaronlondon.com)